Details
COVID precautions in effect. You must bring (or have brought to a previous Rochester dance) proof of being fully vaxxed and boosted and all must wear effective masks, such as Kn95 or a surgical mask with a cloth mask over it. Windows in the hall may be open for good ventilation, so it may be cool – dress accordingly. Layers are a good idea. While it’s very rare, we occasionally have to cancel a dance on short notice. Check web site before you come. Sadly, no refreshments! Or any other maskless eating in the hall. Water fountains are turned off, so please bring your own water bottles.
The program will contain many dances that are on the Jane Austen Ball program, and we are thrilled to have David’s excellent calling and Eileen & Jane playing for our dancing pleasure.
Caller
David Smukler
David Smukler leads evenings of contras and squares, English country dances, family dances, school programs, and special events such as weddings, festivals, etc. He has also presented workshops on numerous dance related topics. His taste in dances is eclectic, and he presents a wide variety of dances. His repertoire includes plenty of New England contras, as well as an assortment of squares, singing calls, mixers, old chestnuts and freshly minted dances. He has a special fondness for English country dances, and his English programs also blend old favorites with new gems.
David grew up singing folk songs with his mom and began dancing contras in New Hampshire as a teen. In 1981 he was drafted to call for his local dance and has been calling ever since. David calls contras and squares, English country dances, and family and community dances, and is also a choreographer.
David is a retired inclusive early childhood and childhood educator who has also taught for years at the college level in a teacher preparation program. He has frequently used dance and song in his teaching, both with children and adults, sometimes to the great surprise of his students. A teacher through and through, David believes that people can always learn and grow. While welcoming change and evolution, David has enormous respect for the value of folk traditions and is the author (with David Millstone) of Cracking Chestnuts: The Living Tradition of Classic American Contra Dances, published in 2008 by CDSS.
Band
Sister Haggis
Eileen Nicholson Kalfass - fiddle, Jane Knoeck - piano, accordion
Known as Sister Haggis, Eileen Kalfass and Jane Knoeck have been making music together for over 15 years. Bringing their wealth of experience to both Contra and English dance, Eileen’s lilting fiddle and Jane’s dynamic piano provide both high energy and exceptional musicality to the dance floor. Their repertoire features both traditional and modern tunes and draws from a number of musical traditions. Together, and with other ensembles including the Groovemongers and Continental Drift and New Brew, they have travelled the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe, playing for numerous dance weeks, camps and festivals.